He was born on May 20, 1930, in Driggs, Idaho, the son of James Preston and Ninetta LaVern Andrews Griggs. He grew up in Driggs and Idaho Falls and graduated from area schools. He joined the military and spent most of his life in the military. He lived all over the world, married, and had two daughters. After returning to Idaho Falls, he operated two restaurants as he was a chef; one at the airport, and the other "Alan's Restaurant" on Broadway. He also directed the Elks Club for six years.

He married Betty Joanna Vaughan in 1950. They were later divorced. On July 20, 2001, he married Anne Bills July 20, 2001, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple in 2003.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in several positions including Sunday School President and Assistant Executive Secretary . He belonged to the Civitan Club, V.F.W., American Legion, and the 40/8 organization.

He enjoyed camping, fishing, golfing, and spending time with his friends and family. "Enemies to Alan were just friends he hadn't met yet".

Survivors include his wife, Anne Griggs, of Idaho Falls; 2 daughters, Alena Reutzel (Randy), of Nampa, Idaho, and Sid Gepner (Mark), of Seattle, Washington; one brother, Vaughn Griggs (Linda), of Logan, Utah; 4 sisters; Carol Davies (Larry), of Idaho Falls, Jeanette Davies (RJ), of Salt Lake City, Utah, Bernice Nelson (Varr), of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Mary Lou Schroeder (Don), of Logan, Utah; 10 grandchildren, and 4 great-grand-children. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers and a sister.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. , Friday, Feb. 23, 2007, at the Lincoln LDS Third Ward Church on 2545 Mesa by Bishop Brian Seedall. The family will meet with friends from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday evening at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, and also an hour prior to the services at the church on Friday. Military rites will be presented by the Bonneville County Veteran's Team. Burial will be at Fielding Memorial Park.